Industrial finishing files

ABSTRACT

An industrial file is constructed by securing a non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material to one or both sides of a structural support. The non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material provides for an industrial file that may be used to contour, smooth and generally prepare a surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention pertains to an apparatus for use in an industrial setting where technicians use various devices to detail and finish machined articles, such as, but not limited to, body panels in an auto body repair shop, in a woodworking or cabinet shop and even by hobbyists and model builders in finishing their projects.

However, one of the intended uses of this invention is related to an abrasive hand held file or instrument for delicate filing and final finishing many types of metal, wood, stone, plastic, fillers, clays and putty, or the like materials.

2. Description of the State of the Art

It is known in the automotive body shop business to use various types of files and abrasive holding apparatus to shape automobile body panels. Such devices include metal files, rasps, sandpaper holders and the like. It is also known to use pads of abrasive materials to remove body fillers as well as paint and other deposits from body panels.

It is also known to use pads of non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material in body shop and other types or refinishing environments but there is no known use of the abrasive material mounted on a structural support to make an industrial file.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides, among other things, an apparatus for delicate final finishing a surface after a preliminary stage of finishing or forming has been performed on an object. Non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material hand finishing disposable files presented herein can be used for final hand micro-finishing of various metal or surface fillers for final shaping and blending of any automotive body surface.

The non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material finishing files are useful in delicate surface smoothing to remove slight imperfections on a surface before or after paint primer coats are applied to, for instance, automobile body panels. The non-woven finishing files presented here can be based on rigid or semi-flexible backing in various sizes and shapes to handle any automotive body surface. Grades in the range of standard available abrasives, such as, but not limited to micro, ultra-fine, fine, medium and course abrasive grades as well as various mineral abrasive compositions are contemplated for use in this invention by the inventor. In one embodiment double sided files can have the same grade of abrasive on either side of the file or can have different grades of abrasive on different sides of the file. In an alternative embodiment a file may have a non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material on one side of the file and a standard abrasive on another surface of the same file.

The open structure of the non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material lends itself to being cleanable using compressed air as well as being washable with water or solvents to extend the usable life of a file considerably.

Given the above disclosure it is an object of the invention to provide an industrial file to be used to abrade and shape an article of manufacture.

It is an object of the invention to provide an instrument that can be used by a technician to prepare the surface for accepting a decorative or protective coating.

Another object of the invention is to provide an industrial finishing file that has a first surface comprising an abrasive surface made from non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material.

It is also an object of the invention to provide an industrial finishing file that has a first surface comprising an abrasive surface of non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material and a second surface comprising an abrasive surface also made of non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material.

Another object of the invention to provide a industrial finishing file that has a first surface comprising an abrasive surface of non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material and a second surface comprising an abrasive surface not comprising non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material.

It is also an object of the invention to provide an industrial finishing file having at least one surface of a non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material and a handle portion on the industrial finishing file.

Another object of the invention is to provide an industrial finishing file with a removable handle.

Also an object of the invention is to provide an industrial file that is disposable after some use.

The file presented here is a file that is inexpensive to purchase while being of great utility to a craftsperson.

The above and other objects may be achieved using devices involving an industrial finishing file with an abrasive material coupled to one or both sides of the file. The device may have more than one type, grade or style of abrasive material coupled, fastened or adhered to it. The abrasive material may be a non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material, such as, but not limited to, and mentioned as an example of an appropriate abrasive material, 3M brand non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material, hereinafter referred to generically as a non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material.

The preferred embodiments of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed specification. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given the plain, ordinary and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. If any other special meaning is intended for any word or phrase, the specification will clearly state and define the special meaning. Likewise, if a noun, term or phrase is intended to be further characterized or specified, such will include adjectives, descriptive terms or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent use of such adjectives, descriptive terms or modifiers, it is the intent the nouns, terms or phrases be given their plain and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts.

Further, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Specification is not intended to indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6, to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6 are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically state the phrases “means for” or “step for,” and will also clearly recite a function, without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for” or “step for” performing a defined function, if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the function, then the intention is not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6. Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6 are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.

FIG. 1 is an orthographic view of an industrial finishing file having a non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material adhered to both sides of the industrial finishing file.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the industrial finishing file with a handle portion sectioned to show how the handle interfaces with a tang of the file.

FIG. 3 is a orthographic view of the industrial finishing file having a non-woven abrasive fabric material adhered to one side of the file.

FIG. 4 is an orthographic view of an industrial finishing file having a non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material adhered to both sides of the file.

FIG. 5 is an orthographic view of an industrial finishing file having a non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material to one side of a paddle shaped file.

FIG. 6 is a view of an industrial finishing file with four sides and a non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material adhered to more than one side of the file.

FIG. 7 is a view of an industrial finishing file with three sides and a non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material adhered to more than one side of the file.

FIG. 8 is a view of an industrial finishing file with a round shaped body and a non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material adhered to the body of the file.

FIG. 9 is a front view of an industrial finishing file having an extended reach enabling long handle.

FIG. 10 is a front view of an ergonomically shaped file generally in the shape of a paddle having a non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material pad mounted on the base structure of the file.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

In one embodiment of the invention, the industrial finishing file, generally 10 is constructed by applying a layer of adhesive to one side of a core material, in one embodiment, the core being a rigid board 12, making up the industrial finishing file. Alternatively, the adhesive material could be applied to the obverse side of the abrasive material. This construction of layers stacked and joined together is sometimes referred to as a laminated structure. Secured to the layer of adhesive is a non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material 14.

As an alternative embodiment to the use of adhesives in securing the elements of the industrial finishing file in a laminated state or configuration, the industrial finishing file invention may have the layers of elements making up the industrial finishing file generally affixed together using attachment configurations that may or may not include adhesive materials.

The core, or structural support, can be made of less flexible materials such as wood, plastic, fiberglass, metal, or of more flexible materials such as dense foam, rubber, bendable plastics, vinyl, and the like.

In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the industrial finishing file generally 10 is constructed by applying a layer of adhesive to both sides of the core or structural support 12 of the industrial finishing file. The adhesive can be, as an alternative to the standard methods of providing an adhesive to a structure, a double-sided tape product with adhesive on both sides of the double-sided tape. Secured to one side of the structural support 12 in contact with the layer of adhesive is a non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material 14. Secured to the obverse side of the rigid core 12 is another layer of adhesive for adhering a second piece of non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material 14 to the obverse side of the rigid core 12.

In another embodiment of the industrial finishing file, shown in FIG. 3, a rectangular version of a industrial finishing file, generally 16, includes a rectangular core board 18 having a layer of adhesive on one face of the core board 18. Adhered to the adhesive is a layer of non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material 14. Alternatively, the adhesive layer can be carried on the layer of abrasive material. A cutout portion 26, one cutout portion on each edge of the board, may be provided to enhance the comfort or retention capability for a user.

FIG. 2 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 with the difference in FIG. 2 being the provision of a tang extending from the main body of the file, generally 20. The tang 22 is inserted into a handle 24, one version of a handle shown in a cross-sectioned presentation, in a well-known manner. A layer of non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material 14 is adhered or affixed to the support board as is done in FIGS. 1 and 3.

FIGS. 4 and 5 present other embodiment of a industrial finishing file having a non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material adhered, through an adhesive layer, to at least one side of the industrial finishing file core board. In the FIG. 4 embodiment there is non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material affixed to both a front side and an obverse side of the file generally 28. In FIG. 5 the material is affixed to the first side of the paddle shaped file generally 30.

In other embodiments of the invention an abrasive material, such as emery cloth or similar abrasive material or standard abrasive coated sheet sometimes referred to as “sandpaper,” is fixedly mounted on the obverse side of the industrial finishing file. This is an embodiment that can be adapted to any of FIGS. 1-5 discussed above.

FIGS. 6-8 shown other embodiments of the invention. In a first of these embodiments, FIG. 6 shows a multisided industrial finishing file, generally 44, rectangular in cross section that includes an abrasive section covered with non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material 14 on at least one face of the file. A handle portion 34 is used in this embodiment but it is just one embodiment. In other embodiments the handle can be eliminated. Another embodiment may have non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material on one side and a standard abrasive sheet on another side of the file.

FIG. 7 is still another embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is similar to the FIG. 6 embodiment in that it is an industrial finishing file having a handle portion. It is a three-sided file, generally 36, with at least one of the sides covered in the non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material. A second embodiment can also be envisioned. In such a second embodiment of the FIG. 7 embodiment, also having a handle provision, there can be non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material on more than one side of the file body. Another embodiment may have non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material on at least one side and a standard abrasive sheet or sheets on the other side or sides.

FIG. 8 is another embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is similar to the FIGS. 6 and 7 embodiments in that FIG. 8 presents a industrial finishing file, generally 38, having a cylindrical body portion 40 covered in non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material 14.

FIG. 9 is another embodiment of an industrial finishing file generally 42, having an extended handle 44 that may accommodate non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material at the end of the handle. A second embodiment of this FIG. 9 embodiment can also be envisioned. In such a second embodiment of the FIG. 9 embodiment there can be non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material on both sides of the structure. A third embodiment may have non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material on one side and a standard abrasive sheet on the obverse side.

FIG. 10 is another embodiment of the invention. This embodiment presents an industrial finishing file, generally 46, having a handle portion 48. This FIG. 10 embodiment will include an abrasive section 50 covered with non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material. The handle 48 which is, in this embodiment, may be, but is not limited to, wood, plastic, metal, or foam, or the like on which the non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material is affixed. A second embodiment of this FIG. 10 embodiment can also be envisioned. In such a second embodiment there can be non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material on both sides of the structure. A third embodiment may have non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material on one side and an standard abrasive sheet on the obverse side.

As mentioned above, but not as a limitation to the scope of abrasive materials used on the industrial finishing file or instrument, in one embodiment of the invention, the non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material may be made of, but is not limited to, a Scotch-Brite® brand, a 3M company product or Norton® brand, a Saint-Gobian Company product, non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material.

Non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric materials come in various abrasive configurations such as, but not limited to, a durable and aggressive configuration for quick stock removal, a slightly finer abrasive configuration than the more aggressive pad which is good for removing scratches on metal, wood, or synthetic surfaces, and a general purpose abrasive configuration coarse enough for cleaning and finishing but fine enough to produce good surface finishes.

Elements presented in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.

In summary, the invention herein is a industrial finishing file comprising a core or structural support having a first abrasive material coupled to a first side of the structural support of the industrial finishing file. A second abrasive material may be affixed to the obverse side of the industrial finishing file and these components comprise one embodiment of the industrial finishing file. The abrasive materials may consist of a fine-textured abrasive material, a non-woven abrasive material, a standard abrasive material, sandpaper, emery paper, or a mild abrasive material. In one embodiment, a different material, including at least one non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material component, is attached to each side of the structural support. In a different embodiment, the same non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material is attached to each side of the structural support.

In another embodiment, a portion of the structural support is free of abrasive material and can serve as a handle. An alternate embodiment would have a tang portion extending from the structural support and a detachable handle that attaches to the tang portion. Another embodiment would have a tang-receiving bore in the handle where the tang portion of the file or structural support could be received.

While the invention is described herein in terms of preferred embodiments and generally associated methods, the inventor contemplates that alterations and permutations of the preferred embodiments and methods will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

Accordingly, neither the above description of preferred exemplary embodiments nor the abstract defines or constrains the invention. Rather, the claims variously define the invention. Each variation of the invention is limited only by the recited limitations of its respective claim, and equivalents thereof, without limitation by other terms not present in the claim. 

1. An industrial file comprising: a structural support; a non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material on the structural support.
 2. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the structural support comprises a flat support having a first side and an obverse side and the non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material is affixed to the first side of the structural support.
 3. The invention in accordance with claim 2 comprising an abrasive material affixed to the obverse side of the structural support.
 4. The invention in accordance with claim 3 wherein the abrasive material affixed to the obverse side of the structural support is a non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material.
 5. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the structural support comprises a multisided structure.
 6. The invention in accordance with claim 5 wherein the non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material is fixedly attached to at least one surface of the multisided structural support.
 7. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the structural support comprises a structure having a non-rectangular cross-section transverse to the major axis of the industrial file.
 8. The invention in accordance with claim 7 wherein the structural support comprises a structure having a circular cross-section transverse to the major axis of the industrial file.
 9. The invention in accordance with claim 7 wherein the structural support comprises a structure having a triangular cross-section transverse to the major axis of the industrial file.
 10. An industrial finishing file comprising: a structural support having a first side and an obverse side; an affixing layer in contact with the first side of the structural support and an affixing layer in contact with the obverse side of the structural support; a non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material in contact with the affixing layer on the first side of the structural support whereby the non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material is affixedly coupled to the first side of the industrial file; and an abrasive material in contact with the affixing layer on the obverse side of the structural support whereby the abrasive material is affixedly coupled to the obverse side of the industrial file.
 11. The industrial file of claim 10 wherein the first abrasive material is a non-woven abrasive impregnated fabric material and the second abrasive material is a standard abrasive material.
 12. The invention in accordance with claim 10 wherein the standard abrasive material is emery paper.
 13. The invention in accordance with claim 10 wherein the standard abrasive material is sand paper.
 14. The invention in accordance with claim 10 wherein the structural support is rectangular in shape.
 15. The invention in accordance with claim 10 further comprising a handle portion of the structural support, the handle portion being free of abrasive material.
 16. The invention in accordance with claim 16 further comprising: a tang portion extending from the structural support of the industrial file; a handle portion being a removable handle that may be carried on the tang portion of the industrial file.
 17. The invention in accordance with claim 16 wherein the removable handle comprises a tang receiving bore to receive the tang portion of the industrial file. 